Today happens to be a national holiday. Strike that.. It’s a global holiday. Though not one you’ll find denoted on any desk calendar or among the aisles of Hallmark cards. And although its namesake was a 19th century icon, this is very much a 21st century holiday; born on the internet as a means for like-minded golfers across the world to tip their cap to a man that defined the game we love.
Today is #TomMorrisDay, and we celebrate his 195th birthday with a look at a few of the courses influenced by the Grand Old Man of Golf.
Cruden Bay
Old Tom was commissioned by the Great North of Scotland Railway to design a course to accompany their “Pink Palace” resort in Cruden Bay. The course was altered significantly by Tom Simpson in 1926, but the essence of what Old Tom left behind still remains. After all, how else can one explain the “bathtub” green found on the 14th hole.
Lahinch
When the members of Lahinch summoned the great Alister Mackenzie to have a look at updating their links, they gave him just one ground rule: Don’t touch the Klondyke or Dell. Those holes, it turns out, were part of Old Tom’s original design and to call the pair “unique” would be an understatement. The two holes feature blind approach shots up and over a dune, with only a stone marker on the hill guiding the way. They’re puzzling for sure, yet the duo is certain to bring a wry smile to the face of the golfer who knows they’ve just played something special.
Up and over the dune we go on the Klondyke.
Machrihanish
The four time Open champion made his way to Machrihanish in 1879 to extend their course from 12 to 18 holes. One can only imagine the challenge the journey to the Kintyre Peninsula must have presented in this day. And while the entire links at Machrihanish is spectacular, it’s Morris’s first tee which leaves us all thankful he made the trip. Surely there is none finer in the game of golf.
Mike Heisterkamp, PGA and the members of Chagrin Valley CC on the 1st tee at Machrihanish.
Prestwick
When Old Tom was fired by Allan Robertson for playing the “guttie” ball on the St. Andrews links, he moved his family to Scotland’s west coast and set to the task of building a new links at Prestwick. The work was painstaking on its best day, yet it resulted in a course that went on to host the first 12 Open Championships. Like Lahinch and Cruden Bay, holes like the Himalayas and Alps have Old Tom’s signature all over them. Some might label these holes and the links in general as quirky, but most see it as golf the way it was meant to be played.
Royal County Down
As Old Tom traversed his way across Great Britain and Ireland laying out golf courses, he never sought to enrich himself from the process, but instead saw it as part of his role as the game’s great ambassador. Perhaps the best example of this came at Royal County Down, where “for a sum not to exceed £4” he boarded a ship across the Irish Sea. Little of that original course remains today, but somewhere Old Tom must be satisfied knowing he played a part in the foundation of that the current #1 ranked course in the world.
The Old Course
If there’s anywhere in the world that should truly celebrate #TomMorrisDay, it’s the town of St. Andrews. So many of Old Tom’s contributions to modern golf course design and maintenance originated on The Old Course. But more than anything, it was his mere presence which solidified its place as The Home of Golf. No one, be they a local farmer or the Prince of Wales, played The Old Course without first holding court with Old Tom. His legacy is found at every corner of the city and is celebrated each and every day.
Thanks, Tom.
Join in the #TomMorrisDay celebrations on social media by using the hashtag. And while you’re at it, be sure to raise a glass to the man himself.
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